The San Francisco Chronicle featured Chico's Bidwell Park in its travel section. The author opens with "Morning on the Maidu Trail in Chico's Bidwell Park is a giant advertisement for Why People Love Northern California." Yep. Exactly.

While us locals have long revered Bidwell Park as the crown jewel of our community, outsiders are finally taking notice.

California University Chico's Nursing Program has been ranked #20 in the state of California.

According to the Chico Enterprise-Record, "The annual RegisteredNursing.org RN program rankings listed the Chico State program as No. 20 in the state. The website ranked the top 50 nursing schools out of 131 in California by analyzing current and historical pass rates of students who take the National Council Licensure Examination, which is required for licensure, and state boards of nursing use to help assess a student’s competency."

Well done, Wildcats. To learn more about the CSU, Chico Nursing Program, visit their website.

California State University, Chico continues to make headlines and we couldn't be prouder.

California State University, Chico and the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program in the College of Business continue to be recognized for its excellence. In addition to the recent re-accreditation with the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business, the University and the MBA program have been recognized by Money magazine, Washington Monthly, CEO Magazine, EDUniversal, Princeton Review and The Financial Engineer (TFE) Review.

Money named CSU, Chico as one of the nation’s “Best Colleges for Your Money” in its 2017 rankings. Out of more than 2,400 colleges and universities across the country, CSU, Chico ranked No. 174 based on its educational quality, cost, and alumni success. Among the criteria Money uses to rank colleges and universities are graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, cost to obtain a degree, student debt and graduates’ earnings.

“Unlike other rankings, Money tries to identify colleges that are outperforming their direct competitors,” said Kim Clark, senior writer at Money. “The top schools in our ranking have the best overall combination of quality, affordability and graduate success.”

This is the third year in a row the University has been recognized by Money in this way.

Countryside Daily Magazine has named California State University, Chico as one of the Top 10 Agricultural Schools in the US.

Photo courtesy of Chico State's University Farm

All schools selected had to meet very high standards and deliver on their educational promises. Countryside Daily selected these schools that offered traditional agricultural courses while including tracts related to sustainability and responsibility. They came to the right place.

Chico State was recognized for the work being done to build soil health through organic and microbial means instead of using synthetic chemicals. Faculty at Chico State are realizing that change is needed from what is currently being used.

Congrats to the Chico State Agricultural School, it's faculty and it's students. You make us proud.

A new report from Gallup and Sharecare, a health and wellness company, found an average of 53.4% of Americans reported exercising three or more times per week. "As you might expect, the communities with the highest levels of reported exercise are also among the communities with the highest wellbeing overall," says lead researcher Dan Witters. "That reflects the impact exercise has on wellbeing."

Chico came in at #10 with 60.9% of people exercising three or more times per week. With our abundant outdoor activities to suit nearly every desire and level, it doesn't surprise us at all.

Congratulations to CSU, Chico for making the top 25 Best Bang for the Buck list at the Washington Monthly. Since 2005, The Washington Monthly has released an annual College Guide and rankings where they rate schools based on what they are doing for the country.

The "Best Bang for the Buck" rankings are an exclusive list of schools that help non-wealthy students attain degrees that will advance them in their careers at affordable prices. CSU Chico came in at #21. Congrats!

Travel writer Christopher Reynolds features Bidwell Mansion and its founder, John Bidwell in his latest travel piece as part of a California bucket-list. He discusses Chico shops, restaurants and the charm of downtown as well as unique stops such as the Yo-Yo museum and, of course, Bidwell Park.

As written by the Matador Network: The best college towns have a few things in common: culturally vibrant downtowns with shopping and globally-influenced dining, unique arts and culture scenes (particularly music), and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Farmer's Markets, local history, and local events like movie nights, al fresco concerts, and yoga in the park are what bring residents - temporary and permanent - together.

Did you know....“Momona” is a Hawaiian word meaning “satiated, well-fed, satisfied, fat, fertile”. Team Momona loved the idea of “momona” because it evokes being content, happy and full. Fro their website: "We, as a team, live to eat and be happy."

Ranked #11 out of 35 by College Rank, Chico State's College Farm is a shining example of the benefit of education in the classroom and "in the field".

Photo courtesy of Marisa Stoller

Criteria include a strong integration with students on campus and the University must provide all students with a variety of opportunities stemming from the farm. The students must also integrate into the community giving local citizens and students the chance to interact in a way that would not be possible without a college farm. The farm must be sustainable and offer classes taught directly at the farm, not just in a classroom.

Chico State's University Farm is a place where students get their hands dirty by taking what they learn in the classroom and put it into practice. Students work with local farmers and ranchers conducting research of which the results are often used to drive innovation and improve performance. Local businesses such as Sierra Nevada brewery benefit as they provide feed for the cows (spent grains and hops from brewing), in turn, they purchase their beef from the University farm for the brewery restaurant. Community members can purchase meat and produce directly from the farm shop and many of the local schools offer student field trips to the farm to promote agriculture among young children.

The University Farm houses a weather station providing critical data for the area and giving students yet another way to communicate with local community members building communication skills and achieving real-world applications and experience. Want to visit? Explore the Chico State College Farm website for details and events.

KCRA, a Sacramento based NBC affiliate, assembled a list of 30 NorCal day trips for under $100. Chico was included for our gem, Bidwell Park, as well as historical interest in architecture around town. If you're looking for a day full of fun without breaking the bank, we invite you to come visit or, if you're a local, discover something new.

The online website onlyinyourstate.com heralds Mom's Restaurant located at Salem and 2nd Streets in downtown Chico as one of the top 10 Amazing Breakfast Spots in Northern California.

The article highlights 10 restaurants throughout the north state and Mom's huevos rancheros made the list. While it might be news to some, locals know Mom's features delicious homemade comfort food that hits the spot whether it be morning, noon or night. If you haven't been yet, check them out.

Chico State team wins national agriculture competition! Winners of the American Society of Animal Science's Academic Quadrathlon, the 4 student team beat out ag powerhouses Texas A&M, Purdue University and Cornell for the title. Way to go Wildcats! Details found here.

Cal Northern School of Law, located in Chico, is proud of two alumni appointed to California Superior Court Judge seats.

Tamara Wood and Kimberly Merrifield have both been appointed to Superior Court Judge seats by Governor Jerry Brown between 2015/2016. Judge Wood is seated with Shasta County Courts and Judge Merrifield at Butte County Superior Court.

You can find details here. For more information on Cal Northern School of Law in Chico, please visit their website at calnorthern.edu.

Yes, there IS a lot going on here. This delightful piece in the L.A. Times by author Ken Van Vechten showcases Chico as a charming weekend getaway. Brought here to attend the Wildflower Cycling Event, Ken and his wife enjoy downtown Chico and Bidwell Park.

Thanks for the nice write-up, Ken. We hope to see you and your wife again soon.

The accolades keep coming! MONEY Magazine has recognized CSU Chico as one of the top schools in the nation in its 2016 Best Colleges ranking.

Chico State came in at #95 out of 705 that made the cut - highest of any CSU campus. According to the website, colleges are ranked based on how they deliver the most value - a great education, at an affordable price, that prepares students for rewarding careers.

The 705 finalists (out of 2,000) were ranked on 24 factors in three categories: educational quality, affordability, and alumni success. Plus, MONEY measured comparative value by assessing how well students at each school did vs. what's expected from students with similar economic and academic backgrounds, and the college's mix of majors. View the entire list here.

If you love living in California, Chico is the place to be! Rated as one of the most affordable cities in the U.S., Mint.com noted that unlike our coastal neighbors, Chico's cost of living is 4% lower than other cities in the Golden State.

With our gorgeous parks, access to water, mountains, and deserts Chico really is a mecca for those who love life and want to enjoy the great outdoors. Oh, and let's not forget about beer and food. With Sierra Nevada Brewery and top-notch dining, hop-heads and foodies alike are in hog heaven.